📚 “From dreams to reality, your EVSU story begins here. #USWAG2025 #OneEVSU”

USWAG 2025: A Welcome of Belonging and New Beginnings

Every academic year, Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) opens its gates not only to welcome new students but also to embrace them as part of a growing community of learners, leaders, and dreamers. This warm embrace is symbolized through USWAG, the University Students’ Welcome Activity and Gathering. The word uswag, meaning “welcome” in Waray, embodies the spirit of fellowship and unity that EVSU fosters in every batch of incoming students

In 2025, USWAG took on a deeper meaning as it became part of the University’s 21st Charter Anniversary celebration. With the theme “One EVSU 2.0: Stronger Together for Resiliency and Climate Action”, the event highlighted not only the unity of the institution but also its commitment to addressing pressing global issues. It reminded students that being part of EVSU is not just about academic growth; it is also about character formation, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship

The celebration of USWAG 2025 began with a freshmen batch pictorial in front of the Administration Building. From there, students joined the USWAG Walk, a symbolic procession that brought them past the iconic EVSU letters and into the Main Campus Open Field. This walk was not just ceremonial — it represented each student’s first steps into university life. The event then continued with vibrant performances from different colleges. Chants, dances, and colorful costumes showcased the creativity and unity of the EVSU community. In the competition segment, the School of Engineering emerged as the overall champion, while other schools received recognition for choreography, chants, spectacle awards, and more

Beyond the fun and excitement, USWAG 2025 also highlighted the deeper purpose of being an EVSUNISTA. Freshmen were encouraged to live by the university’s core values: Excellence, Virtue, Service, and Unity. Excellence calls students to strive in their academics and chosen fields; Virtue reminds them to live with integrity and respect; Service inspires them to give back to their community; and Unity binds everyone together as One EVSU, regardless of campus or college

For the freshmen, USWAG is both a celebration and a challenge. It celebrates their entry into a premier institution of higher learning, while also challenging them to step out of their comfort zones, engage in student organizations, explore their talents, and pursue their dreams with courage and responsibility. More than that, USWAG is a reminder that college is not a journey they must walk alone. Faculty, staff, upperclassmen, and the entire university community stand with them as guides, mentors, and companions.

Ultimately, USWAG 2025 was not just about welcoming new students but also about planting seeds of belonging, purpose, and hope. It marked the beginning of new friendships, new experiences, and new opportunities that will define their EVSU journey. For every freshman, it was a day to remember — a day when they first felt the pride of being called an EVSUNISTA. And as EVSU continues to march toward its vision of becoming a premier institution in the ASEAN region by 2040, the incoming students of 2025 are now part of that dream, ready to grow, serve, and succeed.